Canadian pilot dies after falling into Antarctic crevasse

CANBERRA, Australia – A Canadian helicopter pilot has died at an Australian Antarctic base a day after falling into an icy crevasse.

The Australian Antarctic Division said David Wood fell 20 meters (66 feet) into the crevasse and remained there for three hours after landing on a remote ice shelf 104 miles (167 kilometers) northeast of Australia's Davis Station late Monday.

A rescue team from Davis was able to retrieve the 62-year-old then flew him by helicopter to a medical facility at Davis in a critical condition. He died on Tuesday as officials planned an air evacuation to Australia

The division said Wood had more than 30 years experience as a pilot and had worked extensively in both the Antarctic and Arctic.